Camden Lock Market

The smell of burgers, caramelizing on a flat top. The sound of freshly cut chips being dunked into a bubbling cauldron of oil. The sight of neatly stacked tiers of freshly baked pastries. A French creperie next to Colombian empanadas next to freshly made Neapolitan pizzas. The endless options of unique and delicious creations.

Welcome to Camden Lock Market.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market is situated in the heart of Camden, a mess of shops, stalls and storefronts. The streets are packed with tourists and locals, staring at the bizarre street performers or being drawn in by the endless maze of tee shirt stores. Right along the canal, Camden Lock Market has really exploded, now packed with dozens of stalls, winding around an old stone building.

This is not a place for a relaxing stroll or a leisurely bite to eat. It is just as busy at Borough Market on a Saturday. A sea of hungry people, all seeking the next tasty bite. Settling on a spot is difficult, especially since I am notorious for being indecisive when it comes to food. What if just around the corner, the perfect stall awaits?

I fear food regret.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market

I love the chilli from Louisiana Chilli Shack. Tortilla chips topped with cheese, BBQ beef chilli and coriander lime salsa. The chilli is perfect, packed with cumin and chilli powder. A little touch of the salsa and some Louisiana hot sauce for heat. You can’t go wrong with that combination. It is a great way to start an eating adventure at Camden Lock Market.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market

The smell of grilled chicken wafts from Mama’s Jerk Station, selling some of the most tender jerk chicken ever. I love Jamaican food and jerk chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Loaded with spices like allspice and with a little heat from some chilies, the chicken gets doused in mango mayonnaise for a little sweetness. Amazing.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market

Arepas should be more popular, because they are amazing. Essentially a Venezuelan corn-based version of a small pita, the arepas are cut open and stuffed with a myriad of fillings and toppings. At Arepas & Co, its flat top full of sizzling arepas, they beg to be eaten. Chicken, cheese and some chili tucked into an arepa makes for a filling snack.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market certainly does not have a shortage of dessert options, with tempting treats calling you around every corner. The funky and fun Cookies and Scream delivers gluten-free and vegan baked goods. While the cookies are good, the soy milk based ice cream is crazy creamy and delicious. Even better, sandwich a couple of cookies on some ice cream, and you have a real treat.

If you want to end your day with a nap, sample one of their huge milkshakes, with decadent items like one of their intense, dark chocolate brownies blended with ice cream.

I dare you to try to stay awake afterwards.

Camden Lock Market

Camden is insane, packed with people constantly encroaching on your personal space as you navigate the streets. It’s loud and in your face, which is exactly why I love it. It has a unique energy and vibe to the rest of London and delivers some remarkable dining options. Camden Lock Market showcases some of the best of Camden, with stalls for everyone.

It is not calm, but it certainly is delicious.

Have you been to Camden? We’d love to hear about your experience below.

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  • August 20, 2015

    I love Camden Lock! It’s such a pity that it’s so crowded all the time. Have you ever tried the fried candy? It just looks so weird!

    • August 20, 2015

      we haven’t tried the fried candy there, though I saw the stall selling fried mars bars. I have had deep fried oreos before though and they are weirdly delicious.

  • August 21, 2015

    Oh man food regret, that struggle is real. It’s also why I’ve gained like 20 pounds since I started traveling…
    Edna recently posted…Because of SingaporeMy Profile

    • August 21, 2015

      Julie hates when I pick restaurants because it takes me forever to decide. Even yesterday, I went to Borough Market for lunch and couldn’t decide where to eat, so I ate from 4 different food stalls. Oh well, at least it was all delicious!

  • August 21, 2015

    Oh MAN… you’re making me homesick for Camden — I popped through the markets when I was in town in February, and love the chaos and madness, the smells and flavors. I dare say it’s the most jam-packed of all the London Markets, and it only gets away with it because it’s so quirky and delicious.

    Can I come visit you guys now? 😉
    Valerie recently posted…Perfection & Imperfection in the Writing ProcessMy Profile

    • August 21, 2015

      Did you ever live near Camden? As we walk through the crazy crowds, we wonder where in the heck people live near there! Could you imagine actually living on that main drag where you look out your window onto a 3-D shoe? But the market stalls have become soooo good.

  • August 23, 2015

    Whenever Tony & I go to a market that offers food (really, the only kind of market worth visiting, as far as I’m concerned), we have the non-negotiable rule that we have to do a complete turn and suss out all the food options before we commit stomach space to any stand, no matter how enticing. Sometimes we forget this rule and dive in right off the bat and then we’re always like, “Ugh! Rookie mistake!”
    Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted…Three Years Later: Reinventing Travel & Rediscovering our TribeMy Profile

    • August 25, 2015

      so true. What if I fill up on something average when something amazing was right around the corner?!

  • August 28, 2015

    Oh man, Camden Lock is one of my all-time favourites. And I totally feel you on the food regret — I have it with street food in India, and my friends get so mad at me when I can’t make a decision. Guess it’s about time to book a flight back to London 🙂
    veena recently posted…bangalore eats: momos at taste of tibet.My Profile

    • August 28, 2015
      Julie

      I’m sure the variety and level of crazy you experience far exceeds ours sometimes but yes, Camden is food-regret-central. Which is why I’ve been back twice in the past week. 🙂

  • November 26, 2015

    I was there last August. very crowded. but I did not try the food.

    • November 27, 2015
      Julie

      Yeah, Camden is crazy, especially in the summer! Next time you’re there, definitely try some of the food 🙂 If you can stand the queues…